Customer Solutions Estimator

KONE; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KONE Americas, Pacific District, is seeking a Customer Solutions Estimator to support our growing project business in the Pacific District. The role requires interpreting complex project requirements, developing competitive solutions, and partnering with sales teams to win business.

The successful candidate will provide accurate cost estimates, technical recommendations, risk assessments, and customer-focused solutions while collaborating with sales, engineering, operations, sourcing and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in estimating, project development, construction, engineering, elevator systems, or a related technical field.
• Experience reviewing construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Familiarity with estimating software, CRM systems, and forecasting tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze architectural drawings, specifications, and project requirements to develop accurate estimates.
• Prepare complete tender packages with pricing, scope clarification, and technical documentation.
• Coordinate with engineering, sourcing, vendors, and operations to reflect costs and schedules.
• Support sales with technical presentations, and develop customer-focused solutions.

Job description

Customer Solutions Estimator

KONE Americas | Pacific District Location: Costa Mesa, CA or San Leandro, CA

Join a Global Leader in People Flow

Founded in 1910, KONE is a global leader that provides elevators, escalators and automatic building doors, as well as solutions for maintenance and modernization that add value to buildings throughout their life cycle. Our mission is to improve the flow of urban life and make our world's cities better places to live by providing innovative solutions that help make people's journeys safe, convenient and reliable.

Our operations in over 60 countries around the world has helped us achieve our position as an innovation and sustainability leader with repeated recognitions by Forbes , Corporate Knights for clean capitalism and others.

Position Overview

KONE is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Customer Solutions Estimator to support our growing project business throughout the Pacific District. This role is ideal for a construction, engineering, or elevator industry professional who excels at interpreting complex project requirements, developing competitive solutions, and partnering with sales teams to win business.

As a trusted technical and commercial advisor, you will play a critical role in the pursuit of new projects, providing accurate cost estimates, technical recommendations, risk assessments, and customer-focused solutions. You will collaborate with sales, engineering, operations, sourcing, and external stakeholders to develop comprehensive tender packages that position KONE for success.

The successful candidate is analytical, proactive, customer-focused, and capable of managing multiple opportunities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Proposal Development

• Analyze architectural drawings, specifications, and project requirements to develop accurate and competitive project estimates.
• Prepare complete tender packages, including pricing, scope clarification, technical documentation, and value-engineering alternatives.
• Evaluate project risks, opportunities, and constructability considerations to support sound business decisions.
• Coordinate with engineering, sourcing, vendors, and operations teams to ensure estimates reflect current costs, schedules, and project requirements.

Sales & Customer Support

• Partner closely with Sales Consultants to develop winning strategies for new construction opportunities.
• Provide technical expertise during customer presentations, consultant meetings, and project development discussions.
• Recommend innovative solutions that align customer needs with KONE's product portfolio and long-term value proposition.
• Support specification development and influence project requirements where appropriate.

Major Project Support

• Contribute to strategic pursuits during both acquisition and execution phases of projects.
• Participate in project reviews, forecasting activities, and bid strategy discussions.
• Assist with transition planning from sales to operations to ensure project expectations are clearly communicated and successfully executed.

Process Improvement & Market Development

• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to estimating accuracy, productivity, and best practices.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging project opportunities.
• Share lessons learned and technical expertise across the district and broader organization.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in estimating, project development, construction, engineering, elevator systems, or a related technical field.
• Experience reviewing construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Proven ability to develop accurate estimates while managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience

• Elevator industry experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of construction means and methods, project execution, and tendering processes.
• Familiarity with estimating software, CRM systems, and forecasting tools.
• Experience supporting major construction projects from pursuit through execution.

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility and influence stakeholders across multiple functions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.

Why Join KONE?

At KONE, you will be part of an organization that values collaboration, innovation, safety, and professional growth. You'll have the opportunity to work on some of the most complex and visible projects in the region while part